The booming voice of a Great Witch echoed through the Pangu Temple, announcing that Bai Ze was rushing toward the Sun Star.
As the words fell, the Ancestral Witches reacted with varying expressions, their thoughts unreadable.
Di Jiang's eyes flickered with a cold light. He chuckled, "Is Bai Ze going to the Sun Star to seek asylum?"
Tens of thousands of years ago, the slaughter of millions of Witches was orchestrated by Bai Ze and Ji Meng. For years, the clan had been hunting for their trail. To think he would reappear today, and at the Sun Star of all places. It was hard not to suspect that Bai Ze, unable to withstand the pressure, was seeking a safe harbor.
It was understandable—the Wu Clan was simply too dominant!
"Interesting. Once before, Bai Ze went to the Sun Star and then turned to Mount Buzhou. Is he trying the same trick again?"
"Unfortunately for him, the Great Desolation is now under our control. No matter where he flees, it won't be enough to save his life."
Candle Nine Nethers sneered, fully believing Bai Ze was seeking protection.
"Big Brother, what should we do? Let's just strike now! Paying respects to Father can wait!"
"I want Bai Ze to experience the ultimate despair. Even if he escapes to the heavens or hides in the earth, his life is mine!" Ru Shou said furiously. Thousands of years ago, the Witches slaughtered by Bai Ze and Ji Meng belonged to his tribe, making his killing intent far stronger than that of the other Witches.
"Are we not attacking the Three Immortals Island anymore?"
"What time do you think it is? Still obsessing over that broken island!"
"Regardless of where we strike, I give my full support!"
The Ancestral Witches argued heatedly. Every suggestion boiled down to one thing: war. Whether it was the Sun Star or somewhere else, they just wanted to fight. The plan to pay respects to Pangu was tossed to the back of their minds. They could worship their Father anytime, but if they missed a good fight, they missed it for good.
Di Jiang listened to the debate, his face reflecting deep thought. As the lead brother, every decision he made was vital to the Wu Clan's future. He couldn't be reckless.
He had originally decided to wait until their strength improved further before striking the Sun and Moon to ensure absolute safety. Moving against the two luminaries would have profound consequences, and he wanted his siblings to be at their absolute peak.
However, seeing the fervent reaction of the Witches, Di Jiang knew he couldn't dampen their spirit. The Wu Clan's momentum was at its zenith; he couldn't let it falter.
With that, Di Jiang hesitated no longer. He spoke a single, cold word.
"Strike!"
Most of the Witches erupted in joy. Only two looked slightly less than ecstatic.
"This battle, we go with our full force," Di Jiang continued, his face solemn. He rarely made such declarations—the last time was during the final battle with the Yao Race. It showed how much he valued this upcoming clash.
"Big Brother, you're going too? I think it's enough for you to stay home and wait for our good news," Ju Mang laughed easily. He felt that attacking the Sun and Moon didn't require all twelve of them. Based on their current power, he wasn't entirely wrong.
"I will go. We cannot be careless, lest some unforeseen variable arises," Di Jiang said sternly.
The Witches said no more. One by one, they stepped out of the Pangu Temple, gazing up at the sun hanging high in the vault of heaven, releasing a staggering Battle Intent.
Sun Star
Ling Xiao suddenly snapped his eyes open. Countless Laws swirled within his pupils—galaxies collapsed and eons passed in a single blink.
"Finally... I feel the Opportunity to attain the Primordial Chaos Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm..."
"After wasting so much time, I am finally about to leap off the chessboard..."
Ling Xiao whispered to himself, a long-absent trace of excitement flashing in his eyes. Just now, he had felt a spiritual whim. In the vast path ahead, he had finally sensed his chance. At his realm, he could sense fortune and calamity; he had cultivated for tens of thousands of years for this very day.
Once he achieved the Grand Unity Golden Immortal (Saint) status, he would transcend all traps and be truly free.
During these millennia, he had unconsciously comprehended nearly a hundred Laws. A portion of them had reached the Hun Yuan Golden Immortal (Quasi-Saint) realm, and several—such as the Law of Fire, Law of Yang, Space Law, Law of Time, and Law of Strength—had even reached Perfection.
Furthermore, he had gained the Chaos Law and the Five Elements Laws, both of which were top-tier.
Ling Xiao had expected the Law of Fire to be the one to take the final step. To his surprise, the Law of Fire had "slacked off," allowing the other Laws to catch up. Now, even he wasn't sure which Law would break through first. It was a matter of Opportunity and Comprehension—completely unpredictable.
He sensed the auras of Di Jun and Tai Yi. They were faint, indicating they were at a critical juncture. As they had vowed, they would not emerge until they reached the Hun Yuan Golden Immortal Perfection (Quasi-Saint Peak). It looked like they were finally going to succeed.
"They should break through before long," Ling Xiao mused.
The Periphery of the Sun Star
Bai Ze was approaching the Sun Star alone. His face was expressionless, carrying an aura of inexplicable pressure.
In the end, he had left Ji Meng behind. In his view, one more person wouldn't change the outcome; it would only result in a pointless death.
After a long journey, he finally drew near. Before him was a golden ocean radiating a blistering heat that seemed to banish all coldness. Gazing at the Sun Star, Bai Ze couldn't help but recall the first time he came here to invite Ling Xiao. In his heart, Ling Xiao was always the Demon Emperor he had chosen—the Supreme who could rule all races.
Alas, things had not gone as planned.
He pulled himself together, straightened his robes, and bowed toward the sun as if he were on solid ground. This bow was incredibly solemn—not for himself, but for the billions of Yao.
"Fellow Daoist Ling Xiao, today Bai Ze petitions on behalf of the Yao Race!"
"I offer my life as a calling card—I beg Fellow Daoist Ling Xiao to join the Yao Race!"
"I offer my life as a calling card—I beg the Three Crows to emerge, crush the Wu Clan's tyranny, and purge the world!"
His clear voice rang through the heavens. A pure white light radiated from his body as his form began to slowly blur. A vast, auspicious aura scattered and surged toward the Sun Star.
I have nothing of value left. Let me use everything I am to grant you all my luck and auspiciousness. May the three of you be immortal and indestructible for all eternity.
He prayed silently, preparing to sacrifice his soul to end his life.
Just then, time seemed to flow backward, space twisted, and a sky-blotting Evil Qi descended.
"Hehe. Bai Ze, you want to die so easily? It won't be that simple!"
"Today, no matter who you beg, it won't change the ending!"
With a world-shaking, arrogant laugh, the Twelve Ancestral Witches finally arrived.